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Final day of this New Jersey homecoming was headlined by (relative) newcomers Halestorm, along with a slew of artists tracing their lineage to the ‘80s: Cinderella frontman Tom Keifer, BulletBoys, locals, but no longer teens, Trixster, Doro Pesch, ex-Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach and the early ‘90s alt-hardcore act Life of Agony (introduced by guitarist Joey Zampelli's two identically dressed pre-teen daughters).

Although food trucks and carnival rides opened at noon, it was 2 PM before any music and much later (nearly 6 PM) before the "headline caliber" talent took the stage. Baz played a hits filled 45 minutes, the Canadian making numerous references to his adoptive Garden State home. Honoring his homeland, he opted to cover Rush's "Tom Sawyer"! The aforementioned Life Of Agony came on with one of their best known numbers, "River Runs Red", the title cut from their '93 debut, Mina Caputo's trippy stage movements channeling Janis Joplin, at her best. Strange to see Trixster all grown up. On the street, only guitarist Steve Brown would still look like a rock star. 

Despite having a solo career, Tom Keifer performed almost exclusively Cinderella material and a couple of covers (Joe Cocker's "With A Little Help From My Friends" and Prince's "Purple Rain"). Brought out his wife, seated opposite him, at the piano, for "Don't Know What You've Got (Till It's Gone)" Unfortunately, time overruns on the minuscule Birch Hill stage facilitated a choice between Doro and Halestorm (namesake frontwoman Lzzy Hale had already appeared alongside SNL alumni/comedian Jim Bruer, singing AC/DC and with Keifer on "Nobody's Fool"). Guess my allegiance?

A full 3-day report will be online soon.